Paris, Lens, Rennes, Le Havre… The Calvadosiens of SU Dives-Cabourg (National 3, the 5th French division) shuddered when they saw the list of potential opponents, during the draw for the 32nd finals of the Coupe de France this December 2, 2024. Ultimately, it will be a poster between “little ones”. The Côte Fleurie club will host Réunionnais Saint-Denis FC on the weekend of December 21. Unusual: this is a second overseas opponent in a row after the Tahitians of AS Dragon, beaten 6-1 on November 30.
“Of course, playing against Lens or Paris at the Ornano stadium in Caen (Calvados) is a dream. But we are happy to play at home,” reacts Philippe Clément, the Divais coach. “It's an opportunity to do better than the old ones of 1999.” In 1999, in fact, the club had experienced its only 32nd final of the Coupe de France to date against Lille (D2 at the time). A 2-0 defeat at the end of the match, at the legendary Venoix stadium, in Caen. Facing amateurs this time, Dives hopes to “be up to the task” and write his story.
But what to expect against the Reunion Islanders? It is not always easy to benchmark yourself against overseas training. “It’s a team of our level,” says Philippe Clément. “Without offense to AS Dragon, the level in Reunion is higher than in Polynesia. Saint-Denis beat Vertou (N3 club, 0-0; 5-4 on penalties, Editor’s note) in the 8th round. There is quality in them. »
Between distrust and ambition, Dives-Cabourg will fill its Heurtematte stadium by daring to see further, in a corner of its head. “The limits we have are those we give ourselves,” slips Philippe Clément. Behind the Reunion obstacle perhaps hides the famous shock against a Ligue 1 in the next round.
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